Roof trusses are large beams placed in a type of triangle shape that are used to hold up and support a roof; they are usually left exposed for a more rustic and open look than you would get with standard roofing material that is then covered with drywall. When having a new home constructed or when renovating and considering roof trusses, you want to ensure you take your time to shop and know all your options for the various styles. Roof trusses may all seem alike to you, but these trusses can be very different in their overall design and shape, so note a few considerations to keep in mind when choosing roof trusses for your home.
1. The outside line
Consider how some roofs immediately remind you of a barn's roof and others seem much flatter or may make the home look like a bungalow. The trusses or shape of the roof are what create that look, and the trusses you choose will affect the appearance of your home from the outside as well as the inside.
It can be good to check out photos of how different roof trusses make homes look from the outside, so you opt for a shape that gives your home the exterior line you want. If you don't want your house to look like a barn, opt for a low profile truss or a flat top. For a grander look outside your home, choose a tall fink or fan style roof truss.
2. Note how many trusses you'll need
When you look at styles of roof trusses, you'll note that some might seem busier than others. A double W style has many small beams inside that triangle shape, whereas a storage or open plan style is just that, an open square that looks like you could actually store items in the truss.
Your contractor will typically tell you how many trusses you'll need and how close they'll be placed to support the size and weight of your home; consider if your space might easily look cluttered and busy with a busier style of truss if you'll need several of them that sit very close to one another. That double W style may look very rustic and handsome in a catalog, but when you line up several of these next to each other on your roof, it may actually look more crowded than you realized. Balance the look of the truss with how many there will be in the space for your best option.
For more information and options, talk with a roof truss supplier and contractor.
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